2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a “need.” Make a list of wants, and consider how you might work toward them through savings or perhaps a part-time job.

2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a “need.” Make a list of wants, and consider how you might work toward them through savings or perhaps a part-time job.

2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a... Photo-5289052.71607 - Houston Chronicle

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3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise awareness of where the money actually goes. Make adjustments to wasteful spending.

3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise awareness of where the money actually goes. Make adjustments to wasteful spending.

Photo: Andrei Nekrassov, Andrei Nekrassov - Fotolia

3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise... Photo-5289053.71607 - Houston Chronicle

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4. Pay yourself first and contribute to savings and retirement. One easy way to do this is to set it up automatically from your paycheck. If you don’t bring it home, you can’t spend it and you likely won’t miss it. less

4. Pay yourself first and contribute to savings and retirement. One easy way to do this is to set it up automatically from your paycheck. If you don’t bring it home, you can’t spend it and you likely ... more

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like a crash diet, this kind of behavior is hard to maintain over time. Consider relatively inexpensive ways to reward yourself and keep those rewards to a periodic basis. less

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like a crash diet, this kind of behavior is hard to maintain over time. Consider relatively inexpensive ways to reward yourself and keep those rewards ... more

Photo: Picasa, PRWeb

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like... Photo-5289056.71607 - Houston Chronicle

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7. Go through your own closet. You may find treasures you have forgotten about.

7. Go through your own closet. You may find treasures you have forgotten about.

15. Be mindful of your credit score. Get your credit report and see what your credit score is. Poor credit can make a difference in the rate you pay for loans such as mortgages, cars, and other major purchases.

15. Be mindful of your credit score. Get your credit report and see what your credit score is. Poor credit can make a difference in the rate you pay for loans such as mortgages, cars, and other major ... more